July 16, 2009

To: POINTING BREED HUNTING TEST CLUBS

Dogs Allowed to Enter a Lower Test Level - The current Regulations state that dogs that have
acquired a qualifying score at a higher level are ineligible to enter a lower level test. (Chapter 2,
sections 3 & 4) It is the recommendation of the Performance Events Department that this be
modified to state that dogs that have acquired a title at a higher level are ineligible to enter a
lower level test. This will allow a dog that has managed to pass at a higher level, but in the
process the owner has learned that the dog is not as ready as it should be, to go back to gain
experience at a lower level.

This recommendation has been presented to the AKC Board. They will vote on it at their August
meeting (August 10-11). If passed, the change will go into effect immediately. Notice will be
posted on the Pointing Breed Hunting Test website:
www.akc.org/events/hunting_tests/pointing_breeds/

Good deal, this should help to greatly encourage more participation.  I've talked to several people that got one pass at MH with a dog, but could never get another, who had not yet completed SH.

They of course were then "done" with testing that dog because there was no longer any point in throwing good money after bad.

I do not agree with this change.  This will "encourage" people to "try" masters or seniors with dogs that are not fully ready for the level.  This will, in turn, have the potential to impact the bracemate. 

If the hunting tests were not run in braces, I would be for it, but you have to consider the other ramifications other than that of the dog in question.

I don't see this as a big deal. As it is now a lot of dogs attempt to move up after finishing in one class and they aren't ready either.

Bottom line is your dog has to be able to handle it's bracemates mistakes. If it can't then it's not worthy of a pass.

I have never run a dog in anything but Master. If I had to work my way up, I probably wouldn't bother with it.

I did run Rusty in Senior once when they needed a bye dog. She was already a MH. I guess under the new rule that wouldn't be allowed?

The change shouldn't affect this.  The bye dog is not under judgement, and in fact the judges have always had quite a bit of latitude in selecting a dog to run (they can even select a dog not entered in the event to fill in).

Rick

IMO its just another thing to test for. I have both an unbroke dog and a broke dog. Occasionally I run them together just to make sure my broke dog is infact still broke and wont bust if another dog rushes in for the bird or wont honour a point. Just makes your dog look that much better infront of a judge or your peers.